Srinagar: In a significant move, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that if Congress or National Conference is ready to accept and implement the ‘pro-people and pro-J&K” agenda of her party, it is ready to provide electoral support to them.
Mufti offered her support while releasing the election manifesto of the party that has resolved to fight for the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir, strive to open cross border roads and regional free trade.
“If Congress or National Conference is ready to adopt our agenda that resolution of Kashmir is necessary, opening of roads etc, we will tell them you contest the elections, we will rally behind you,” the PDP Chief said.
“For us, the resolution of the Kashmir problem is much more important than anything else. The dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is being trampled, are more important for us”.
In its manifesto, the party has moved a step ahead of self rule and said it would fight for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, strive for opening of the borders for trade and social exchange and regional free trade.
“The PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue, recognizing it as the cornerstone for lifting the people of Jammu and Kashmir out of the present cycle of violence and unrest,” reads the manifesto.
It says the party would advocate diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, cross-LoC trade and regional cooperation.
Like the National Conference, PDP also has announced 200 units of free electricity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir if elected to power, 12 free of cost gas cylinders to the economically weaker sections, bringing back sugar and kerosene into the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The party manifesto says it will re-implement its policy of zero stamp duty for women purchasing property, abolish property tax for all households and provide timber at subsidized rates. It has also promised to double the funds under the social security schemes from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000.
The party has also promised to review a one-time settlement scheme for J&K Bank loan customers.
Focusing on youth employment, the party has promised to regularize the services of 6000 daily wagers within a year if it comes to power and replacing the New Pension Scheme (NPS) with old pension scheme. It has also promised to regularize the contractual employees in various departments.
The party said that it will ensure Disturbed Area allowance for the personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police also.
The party manifesto says it will strive for transfer of the hydro power projects to Jammu and Kashmir, work for Razdan and Sadhan tunnel to ensure round the clock to the border areas of Gurez and Tangdhar and extend the railway line to Chenab valley and Pir Pnajjal in Jammu.
The party said that it would also work for the return of the Kashmiri pandits to the valley and upgrade the current 1BHK scheme to minimum allocation of 2BHK apartments for every returning family.
The party has promised strengthening of the tribal communities, building urban infrastructure and revival of the traditional crafts of Jammu and Kashmir.
